The Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets team understand how many considerations there are when it comes to updating or replacing your kitchen. Our information guides are designed to offer quick and easy insight into all things related to solid wood, kitchens and cabinetry, plus other information that may interest and inspire you!

So, if you're thinking about making a purchase, or are just interested in learning a little more about the wonderful world of solid timber kitchens, please feel free to explore our extensive library.

If you would like to view all the information guides in a particular category, please use the following links:

A compendium of articles to help you choose accessories and appliances to suit your solid wood kitchen. Includes popular guides such as 'Buying Small Appliances for Oak Kitchens' and 'Buying Cooker Hobs for Solid Oak Kitchens'.

In the ‘Cabinetry’ category you will find guidance on anything and everything to do with kitchen cabinets; these articles will contain product knowledge, history, information on specific timbers and cabinet construction. This section will be updated regularly so do keep an eye out for new guides.

These questions were sent in directly by our customers, and have been answered with assistance from our in-house kitchen experts. We will be posting a new question every week, so do check back for the answers to further popular queries.

Handy hints about our services, product ranges, and much more. Our 'General' guides cover a wide range of topics, from a 'Pre-Drilling Service' article to a helpful run-down of the online ordering process entitled 'How to Order Solid Wood Kitchens'.

A selection of guides that will prove both inspirational and informative when planning your kitchen. Features useful articles such as 'How to Create a Shaker Kitchen' and 'How to Create a Farmhouse Kitchen with Solid Oak Kitchen Cabinets'.

For a full list of the Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets information guides, please click here.

If you are looking for something in particular, please use the following search:

Recent Information Guides from Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets

“Do I need pilasters in my kitchen?”

Our latest ‘Question of the Week’ has been sent in by Tyrone in Ripon. Tyrone has come across an unfamiliar term for a component whilst designing his oak kitchen.

QUESTION:

“I’m designing my new kitchen and I’m not sure what pilasters are for. Do I need pilasters in my kitchen or are they purely decorative?”

ANSWER:

Hi Tyrone,

Thanks for sending such a pertinent question – kitchen jargon can be rather confusing, particularly if you don’t have the help of a designer!

A pilaster is a column that can be used to add aesthetic appeal. Traditional oak kitchens look great with decorative pilasters but there are plainer options available for a more modern design. Pilasters can also be painted or lacquered to suit your cabinet frontals.

Whilst pilasters don’t have a function – at least not in the typical sense – they can be used to cover small gaps where cabinets don’t quite meet. If gaps appear they will tend not to be evenly spaced, and people will opt to cover or fill small spaces with an end panel or frontal (or even something more practical, like a towel rail). This is purely personal preference, but often requires consideration because unsymmetrical pilaster spacing can look unbalanced.

Pilasters are relatively easy to fit, as our handy guide on fitting your own pilasters shows. Additionally – in case it’s of interest – we’ve also compiled a post that explains key kitchen terms; please do feel free to check this out if you happen across any other terminology that you are unsure of.
We hope this has answered your question, but if there is anything else we can help with, please do not hesitate to contact us again!

Kind regards,

The Team @ Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets

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Country kitchens are as popular as ever thanks to the warm, inviting feel they create in any home. Whether you have a small room or an expanse of space, there are a number of different elements that can be combined to create a traditional country feel for the heart of any home – keep reading to find out our top tips!

SOLID WOOD

Solid wood plays a huge part in the creation of any country kitchen, adding a rustic, homely touch to the room. Exposed beams are perfect if you’re lucky enough to have them; if not, there are plenty of ways to incorporate timber into your kitchen. Wooden kitchen cabinets, for example, create a classically styled look, whilst Traditional frontals will imbue your space with timeless charm. When it comes to your surfaces, why not opt for a stunning solid wood kitchen worktop? Oak is a beautiful choice, as is cherry; a more unusual kitchen material than oak, but one that we think works particularly well in a country kitchen due to its natural warmth.

PASTEL SHADES

Neutral shades – such as white or cream – are often the first choice for a traditional country kitchen, but pastel colours work just as well. In the featured image, for example, Farrow & Ball’s pastel shade Lulworth Blue looks fantastic, creating a light and modern take on a classic country feel. Our signature range of Farrow & Ball paints provide a good starting point for picking your palette, though we also offer a bespoke painting service if you want to create something more tailored.

KITCHEN APPLIANCES

Kitchen appliances are an important consideration when planning a country kitchen. Choosing a range over an electric oven can be a great way to evoke a country feel in your kitchen. The red example pictured above creates a striking contrast between the white cabinet frontals, providing a fantastic focal point for the room. Don’t be afraid to utilise appliances to add splashes of colour, either, particularly if you have selected neutral tones for your frontals and work surfaces. Hiding smaller appliances like fridges, freezers, dishwashers and microwaves in a solid oak cabinet is another excellent way to create a more traditional look.

STORAGE

Storage plays a huge part in any new kitchen design. We recently wrote about kitchen larder units, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. Full height cabinets fitted with wirework are fantastically practical, whilst their classic design will complement a traditional look perfectly. If you don’t have the space for a tall storage cabinet, we think these wicker baskets provide an outstanding alternative to drawers in a country kitchen, especially when they are filled to the brim with vegetables.

These are just a few of our favourite country kitchen ideas – what are yours? If there is anything you think we have missed, please don’t hesitate to contact us, or feel free to share your thoughts with us on Facebook or Twitter.

“What is the difference between solid oak kitchen cabinets and oak-veneered plywood alternatives?”

This week, our customer question has been sent in by Asad in Sileby. Asad is weighing up the benefits of solid oak kitchen cabinets over plywood.

QUESTION:

“I’m interested in purchasing new cabinets for my kitchen but I’ve seen a lot that are labelled as solid oak veneer. What is oak veneer? And what is the difference between solid oak kitchen cabinets and the oak-veneered plywood alternatives?”

ANSWER:

Hi Asad,

Thanks for getting in touch, what a great question! We’re passionate about solid oak kitchen cabinets and as such think that they’re the superior option, but we’ll give you the facts and let you make up your own mind.

An oak veneer is a veneer that has been constructed from a thin layer of solid oak. It will usually be applied to engineered wood to give the effect of solid timber. Products with oak veneers can look very realistic, but unfortunately don’t possess the same qualities as items that are constructed entirely from solid oak.

Plywood is a sturdy material to use when constructing kitchens. It is created by sticking layers of solid wood veneer together (a different methodology than is used when manufacturing MDF and chipboard, resulting in a much stronger product). There are benefits to using plywood when building a kitchen, as high-quality options can be extremely strong and durable, and plywood does not need time to acclimatise to its environment. It can be painted or varnished in much the same way as solid wood products, and when using a solid oak veneer, can look similar to solid oak kitchen cabinets – though any exposed edges will clearly show that the material is in fact plywood.

There are variances in quality when it comes to both solid wood kitchen cabinets and oak-veneered plywood, which is important to remember when making comparisons. People will often look at plywood options and assume that these will be cheaper than solid wood, but this is often not the case. High-quality oak-veneered plywood can cost just as much – if not more – than a solid oak option.

Natural timber is much easier to work with and requires a less-intensive finishing process if any adjustments need to be made. Any damage to solid oak kitchen cabinets will be much easier to repair, as wood can be gently sanded and refinished using matching paint or lacquer. Damage done to oak-veneered plywood will usually need to be filled and then sanded down; however, it is difficult to achieve a finish that will blend well with the existing material.

Ultimately, the choice is yours, but we hope that we have provided the details required to make an informed decision! If there is anything else we can help you with, please feel free to contact us again.

Kind regards,

The Team @ Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets

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Originating in the eighties, the term ‘shabby chic’ refers to a style that imitates the elegant look of a large country house, with vintage touches and classically-designed furniture. A well-established trend, shabby chic kitchens are a great way to create a cosy, inviting space in your home. As solid wood is a prominent feature in any shabby chic design, we’ve put together a guide to help you achieve the look in your own kitchen.

Exposed plates, cups, glasses and bowls on shelving or in open cabinets look fantastic in shabby chic kitchens. This device can be dressed up, or down, in a variety of ways. Whether you’re using open spaces to show off mismatched vintage crockery or to display the finest chinaware you own, this is an easy and cost-effective way to recreate a timeless look in your home. Assortments of colourful plates and bowls look great stacked on shelves; alternatively, try lying plates flat to create more of a design feature.

If it seems impractical to leave all your kitchenware uncovered, you can achieve a similar look with our glazed cabinet frontals.

Shabby chic kitchens pair perfectly with Belfast sinks. The beautifully glossy surface of the sink (which tends to be porcelain or ceramic) contrasts well with wood, providing a stunning yet practical focal point for the room. Similar variants include butler and farmhouse sinks, which would also be in keeping with a shabby chic kitchen’s vintage feel.

Use of colour is important in shabby chic kitchens. There are a variety of shades that are suitable and our range of painted frontals are perfect for creating a quaint look to complement your design perfectly. Off-white or cream is a popular option and, if selected, means that colourful accessories and accents can be added to alter the look and feel of the kitchen quickly and cost-effectively. Working from a neutral base can also create a softer, more subtle look.

For those looking to make more of a statement, pastel colours are an excellent way to inject some fun into your kitchen. Airy and playful, pastels add a great touch to shabby chic kitchens, whether you choose a vintage blush hue or a fresh blue shade. In our recent ’Colours of the Month’ post, we discussed pastel palettes for 2017 and suggested a range of bespoke options for your frontals. Our chosen paint supplier, Farrow & Ball, provides an extensive collection of colours and we are able to paint our frontals in any of their shades. Happy hunting!

Cute accessories/vintage fabrics

The use of accessories plays a fundamental role in the creation of shabby chic kitchens. Small wooden ornaments, like the heart pictured, provide a charming finishing touch and work wonderfully well with vintage fabrics. When accessorising, you can never have too much or too little. Lots of small decorations that are co-ordinated with crockery (which should be displayed on shelves, as above) will create a lightly cluttered feel – a popular feature in many shabby chic designs. For those wanting a less chaotic look, we advise selecting a few key pieces: if chosen with care and attention, these would work just as well. Slightly worn or weathered painted wood and prints with polka dots or flowers are always a great choice.

Shabby chic kitchens have been a popular trend for a long time and it looks like the style is here to stay. If you have a shabby chic kitchen you’d like to share with us, please feel free get in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

“How would you recommend painting wooden kitchens?”

This week, our customer question comes from Dani in Leamington Spa. Dani is hoping to give her kitchen an update with a fresh coat of paint.

QUESTION:

“I bought all my cabinets from you in 2013 and I’m putting my house on the market so I want to give them a bit of an update. Although they are still in perfect condition, I’d like to make the lacquered oak look more modern, and so would like to know how you would recommend painting wooden kitchens?”

ANSWER:

Hi Dani,

Thank you for getting in touch! Painting frontals can be a great way to freshen up your wooden kitchen, especially if – like yours – it is still relatively new. Re-finishing wooden kitchens can be a much larger task than most people would expect it to be, however, so our first tip would be to set aside plenty of time to make sure you can create a professional-looking finish.

Preparation really is key: you will need to clean, sand, clean again and then prime your frontals before you even start to think about painting. Removing frontals from cabinets, drawers and cupboards will make all of these tasks much easier, but this does mean that you will need to find enough space for them. Please do not be tempted to stack frontals on top of each other or leave them outside where they could get wet. The steps below illustrate our own processes for painting frontals, which we’d highly advise following:

Clean the frontals with a damp cloth and a mix containing 5% liquid soap and 95% water. Even if your cabinet doors appear clean, do not skip this step as any oil or greasy residue can prevent paint from adhering properly.

Sand down the frontals using a medium grit (150 grit is what we use and would recommend) sandpaper. The aim of this is to create a slightly matte surface and remove the glossy finish of the lacquer.

Clean the frontals again to ensure any traces of dust and dirt from sanding are removed.

Prime your frontals using a natural water-based undercoat to prevent raising of the grain.

Once the primer is dry, apply your chosen paint. We use Farrow & Ball, which we’d highly recommend: an acclaimed and expert manufacturer, Farrow & Ball supply a wide range of eco-friendly, unique paints. The water-based colours in their collection are ideal for use on timber, as they allow the natural grain of the wood to shine through.

When the first layer of paint is completely dry, apply another. We use two coats to achieve the final look for our bespoke painted frontals and would recommend that you do the same.

Reattach the frontals once the final layer of paint has dried thoroughly.

Alternatively, we do supply cabinet frontals as standalone items, which could offer an easy way to freshen up your wood kitchen with minimal inconvenience. As mentioned above, painting a kitchen can be a lengthier task than most would anticipate; as such, once the cost of materials and equipment – as well as the time spent – has been accounted for, it might not be the most efficient or affordable option.

There are a number of Farrow & Ball colours in our ‘Signature’ range, and we also offer a bespoke paint service if you would prefer another of the colours in their collection. If you choose to order pre-painted frontals, all you need do is wait for them to arrive, replace your old frontals, and enjoy!

Hopefully this guide has been helpful and given you another option to consider before you commence work. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Kind regards,

The Team @ Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets

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A wooden kitchen is a great investment for your home, but the idea that solid wood is only suitable for outdated traditional designs or farmhouse stylings can put many off. Wood kitchens can be transformed easily with up-to-date touches, and there are a number of ways to achieve a modern look.

Due to the necessity of considering a variety of aspects in order to design a kitchen, the opportunities to create a more contemporary feel are extensive. We have compiled this list of suggestions to help you put together a kitchen that benefits from the use of solid wood whilst staying current.

Colour is a great way to bring wood kitchens up to date. This example features Traditional frontals hand painted in Farrow & Ball’s Parma Gray and – although a number of the individual components in this kitchen are arguably more classical in design – the brightness of the colour selected really lifts the room. The modern look is continued through the use of complementary accessories in a more vivid blue, which add a little fun.

Pastel colours are particularly popular right now but brighter colours could also be used to create a modern-retro style. Greyscale or monochrome themes are also currently on trend. The neutral pallet looks very sleek and chic on its own, but can provide a fantastic backdrop for an accent colour to be dotted around.

Walnut offers a more striking contrast between the worktop and cabinetry, which in this example has been painted in Farrow & Ball’s Mizzle. The Shaker frontals provide a sleeker, more streamlined option with minimal detailing, whilst polished chrome handles and pulls add a nice finishing touch and really complete the look.

Using a worktop to make a statement is a great way to create a modern theme in your kitchen. Paired with frontals in pretty neutrals and small, neat accessories, this looks great any way you style it.

Modern tubular brushed chrome handles, frosted glass and lacquered oak frontals make the glossy red splashback in this display really pop. Minimalistic features, such as Shaker frontals and sleek handles, combine to create a very contemporary feel. Mixed with the more traditional look of oak, this display in our Gloucestershire showroom balances itself well. Using wood kitchens to make a feature out of a simple glossy splash of colour adds a gorgeous twist on a classic design.

Traditional design elements such as spiral pilasters and oak plate racks combine with fresh Shaker frontals in Farrow & Ball’s New White, and are accessorised with beautifully bowed handles in a satin stainless steel to construct a clean look. Accessories are a fantastic way to keep wood kitchens up to date; just by changing the cupboard and cabinet frontals and handles you can give older wood kitchens a new lease of life.

Light cream or white is a kitchen classic, but there are a few design features that can keep modern wood kitchens on trend. We’ve already spoken about using streamlined frontals in fresh colours – with minimalistic handles – but this kitchen also incorporates some additional contemporary design features.

Functional storage is currently a big trend, and the tall cabinets in this kitchen show that you can enjoy both form and function. Counter-height ovens are another feature that are growing in popularity, with many choosing to use appliance housing cabinets to integrate all parts of the kitchen fully. Breakfast bars are also seeing an increase in popularity, following the trend for combining living spaces with kitchens; this design opens up both rooms to create the illusion of additional space.

These are our top ideas for keeping wood kitchens modern. If you have any additional suggestions or comments, or would like to share images of your own modern solid wood kitchen, let us know by leaving a comment below or by getting in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

“Can I fit laminate worktops in your solid wood kitchens?”

This week’s question comes from Kaleem and his wife in Cardiff. They’d like to know more about mixing materials in the new kitchen they’re planning.

QUESTION:

“My wife and I are redesigning our kitchen – I’d love to have 100% solid wood but she has fallen in love with a black, sparkly laminate work surface. Is it possible to fit laminate worktops in your solid wood kitchens?”

ANSWER:

Hi Kaleem,

Thank you for taking the time to send in your query. It sounds like you’ve come to the perfect compromise!

Fitting laminate worktops in solid wood kitchens is simple and should be as straightforward as installing a solid wood alternative. Cutting laminates down to size is easy – thanks to their chipboard core – and you can use the same tools that you would to fit a wooden work surface. Moreover, one of the benefits of ordering a laminate worktop is that it will arrive ready to fit, which is slightly different to a wooden worktop (as this may require oiling or treating to provide adequate protection for the timber).

Although they are commonly found in traditional oak kitchens, our wide range of wooden worktops includes many choices that are ideal for contemporary settings, too.

Wood worktops are a sustainable choice, and have become a popular addition to a plethora of kitchen designs. Alongside modern cabinets and appliances, many of our hardwood surfaces add a sense of luxury and ensure the kitchen does not feel too sterile or cold.

In this information guide, we have picked a variety of solid wood worktops that are ideal choices for modern kitchens, with some additional tips on making them work in your home.

MODERN TIMBER WORKTOP CHOICES

With such a wide selection of worktops in our collection, we appreciate that it may feel like a difficult choice to pick the perfect worktop. Fortunately, there are many types of timber that are well suited to contemporary aesthetics.

Despite their popularity in traditional settings, our oak worktops are still one of the most sought-after choices for modern kitchens, as this timeless material never goes out of style. The European timber is used to create worktops in standard and full stave constructions, and can be chosen in either standard or Prime Oak grades (the latter being more popular in modern kitchens due to its consistent colour and lack of natural imperfections).

Oak worktops are perfect for a variety of kitchen designs and themes, whether accompanying white and bright Shaker frontals, or doors painted in one of Farrow & Ball’s trendy shades of grey.

Our bamboo and caramel bamboo worktops also make great choices for modern kitchens. These unique surfaces look superb in contemporary designs, and are the most sustainable solid timber option available.

Some of these worktops are also available in Deluxe and full stave variants, should you wish to install an even more grandiose surface in your new kitchen. Deluxe worktops look similar to our standard worktops, but feature extra-wide 90mm staves rather than staves of the usual 40mm width. Our full stave worktops are made from a number of 90mm-wide staves that run the full length of the worktop, creating an unbroken appearance that showcases the timber’s natural beauty.

SMOOTH SOLID WOOD SURFACES IN MODERN KITCHENS

All of the wooden worktops on our online store have a smooth sanded 150 grit finish as standard, but are not pre-treated, meaning you can apply your preferred finish before installation.

We recommend that you use Rustins Danish Oil to treat the timber worktops in our collection. This product nourishes and accentuates the timber’s natural colour whilst protecting the surface with a food-safe finish. Danish oil dries to a low-lustre sheen which is perfect for emphasising the wood’s natural appearance.

So as to ensure that your worktop retains a beautiful finish throughout its life, please follow our guidelines for sanding and re-oiling:

Use 150 – 180 grit sandpaper to sand the entire worktop, including all edges. Once the entire worktop has been rubbed down, utilise a soft cloth and vacuum to remove sawdust from the surface and surrounding areas.

You can then move onto a finer grit sandpaper to repeat the process. For the smoothest finish, we recommend that the worktop is sanded three or four times (with sandpaper of up to 400 grit).

“What colours are included in your ‘Signature’ range of doors for solid oak kitchen cabinets?”

Our first ‘Question of the Week’ for 2017 comes from Harley in Worcester. She is planning on getting a new wood kitchen featuring our solid oak kitchen cabinets and wanted to know which colours are included in our ‘Signature’ range.

QUESTION:

“We would like to revamp our kitchen in the New Year and are looking for painted wooden doors. I noticed you do a ‘Signature’ range, but I wasn’t sure what colours are included. Can you help?”

Our new ‘Signature’ range features six of our most popular finishes, including sanded, lacquered and painted in some of the finest shades from Farrow & Ball: All White, New White, Mizzle and Parma Gray.

These colours are available “off the shelf” on any of our Traditional or Shaker doors and drawer frontals at a very reasonable price, though if you would prefer, we can paint frontals in any of Farrow & Ball’s colours as part of our ‘Bespoke’ painted service.

The collection includes 120 of the eco-friendly paints in Farrow & Ball’s collection, allowing you to pick a shade to match your kitchen aesthetic perfectly.

If you decide to choose any colours in our signature range, they can be ordered directly through our website. If you would prefer to choose a ‘Bespoke’ shade, then simply enter the shade you would like in the ‘Notes’ section of the online checkout.

Alternatively you can order via telephone by calling 0345 22 22 990.

Our ‘Signature’ range is kept in stock and is available for immediate dispatch, but please note that lead times will be longer if you choose a ‘Bespoke’ shade.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us again.

Kind regards,

The Team @ Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets

Do you have a question that you would like us to answer? Ask us now on , or send us a message.